Breadcrumb

1. Home

2. Print 

3. Pdf 

4. Node 

5. Entity Print 

Importing Commercial Birds into the

United States

Last Modified: 

Print

The USDA defines commercial birds as those birds which are imported for resale,

breeding, public display, or any other purpose, except pet birds, zoological birds,

research birds, or performing or theatrical birds. Shipments of birds that contain six

or more are considered commercial. 
Only U.S. returning pigeons or doves (any quantity) with a pre-export U.S. health

certificate, used in theatrical performances, qualify for this import type. U.S.

returning performing pigeons and doves import under different requirements from

other columbiforms. Import requirements are listed on the issued permit. To obtain

more information about this import type, contact the following email address:

LAIpermits@usda.gov

Requirements

Import Requirements for Commercial Birds (for all countries except for Canada)

The U.S. imposes prohibitions to import commercial birds from some countries.

Shipments of commercial pigeons and doves (columbiforms) may import with

additional health restrictions as listed below. The list of countries is found at Animal

Health Status of Regions.

Commercial bird shipments must be accompanied by a USDA import permit

(application to obtain a permit is form: (VS Form17-129 (73.07 KB)). Processing

time for the application is approximately 7 – 10 business days. Applications

should be received no less than this time prior to shipment of birds. There is a

processing fee which can be paid by check, money order, charge card or by

providing a USDA user fee account. For an additional fee, the permit can be

amended after issuance by request.

Please sign up for an e-authentication account if you are based in the

United States or have a U.S. address. Electronic-authentication (eauthentication) is a registration system that enables customers to access

the online Electronic Permits (eFile) system in order to submit import

permit applications independently. Create an e-authentication account and

register for permits by following the steps outlined on the eFile website 

Register for E File

Download the import application or contact the Strategies & Policies, Live

Animal Import Team: VS.Live.Animals.Import.Permits@aphis.usda.gov

A health certificate, issued within 30 days of leaving the country of export,

must accompany all commercial bird shipments. A full-time salaried

veterinarian of the veterinary competent authority, located in the exporting

country, must endorse the health certificate, with English translation.
The following list of health certificates are for countries that have negotiated

health requirements with the United States. All other countries of export must

use language listed on the model health certificate, listed below.

Portugal Health Certificate for Commercial Birds (does not include poultry)

(159.06 KB)

Brazil Health Certificate for Commercial Birds (168.02 KB)

Guyana Health Certificate for Commercial Birds (170.27 KB)

Netherlands Health Certificate for Commercial Birds (137.82 KB)

Exporting countries can use the model health certificate (125.12 KB) provided

or use their own document which carries the following U.S. health certificate

requirements listed below:

1. The veterinarian issuing the certificate completed inspection and testing of

the birds covered under this health certificate.

2. The bird(s) was/were not vaccinated against any H5 or H7 subtype of

avian influenza.

3. The veterinarian issuing the certificate examined the bird(s) within 30

days prior to export and saw no evidence of communicable disease of

poultry.

4. The bird(s) covered by this certificate do not originate from flocks nor had

contact with any birds or poultry originating in a control zone established

by the state/province/federal animal health authorities due to outbreaks of

Newcastle disease or Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in the 90

days preceding the exportation.

5. The bird(s) was/were not vaccinated against Newcastle disease OR the

bird(s) has/have been vaccinated against Newcastle disease (avian

Paramyxovirus) at least 21 days prior to export, using vaccines that do not

contain any velogenic strains of Newcastle disease virus. The certificate

must state which applies.

6. The shipment will not transit through any region where APHIS considers

highly pathogenic avian influenza to exist.

7. Birds were inspected within 24 hours of export.

8. The birds were placed in new or appropriately sanitized packaging

materials at the premised from which the birds were being exported.

Pigeons and Doves (columbiform species)

For pigeons and doves, exporting countries can use the following model

health certificate, or use their own template, listing the following health

criteria which includes the English translation:
A model health certificate (230.22 KB) is provided and must certify the

following requirements listed below:

1. Did not come in contact with wild birds or poultry within the 30 days

previous to exporting the premise of origin

2. Have been examined prior to movement from the premise of origin

and there was no evidence of poultry communicable disease.

3. Have not been vaccinated against H5 or H7.

4. Have been vaccinated against Newcastle disease (avian

paramyxovirus) at least 21 days prior to export, using vaccines that

do not contain any velogenic strains of Newcastle disease virus OR

was not vaccinated against Newcastle disease (the health certificate

must indicate which applies).

5. Birds were inspected within 24 hours of export.

6. Were shipped in new or appropriately sanitized containers prior to

current use.

Importers should also consult Information for Importers of Pigeons and

Doves to the United States (189.8 KB).

The following list of health certificates are for countries that have

negotiated health requirements with the United States:

Veterinary Health Certificate for the Export of Pigeons and Doves

(Columbiforms) Species from The Netherlands to the United States

(137.48 KB)

All other countries of export must use language listed on the model health

certificate, listed above.

A USDA port veterinarian at the first U.S. port of entry must inspect birds

(unless stated differently on the import permit). The importer must arrange for

this inspection by a USDA port veterinarian at least 3 business days in advance

by contacting the USDA port veterinarian at the telephone number listed on the

import permit.

Commercial birds are required at U.S. arrival, to proceed immediately into

30 days quarantine. There are two USDA quarantines which can be used or

the importer can create a private quarantine facility. If a private facility is

used, it must be approved by APHIS before an import permit can be

issued.

The importer should retain the services of a customs broker to facilitate the

importation and, in some cases, to transport the birds from the port of entry to

the USDA Animal Import Center. The importer should contact the USDA Animal
Import Center for a list of customs brokers to provide this service.

Information on Quarantine Requirements

An import permit will not be issued until quarantine arrangements have been

finalized.

The USDA Animal Import Center will provide an estimate of fees, which includes

port inspection, laboratory testing that occurs during quarantine, and the

quarantine stay.

A list of current fees to support the import process is at VS User Fees

Commercial avian quarantines must take place at one of the USDA facilities

listed below or private quarantine may occur in an APHIS approved zoological

facility.

Miami Animal Import Center

USDA-APHIS-VS

6300 NW 36 Street

Miami, FL 33122

(305) 876-2200 (phone)

(305) 876-2201 (fax)

NotifyMAIC@usda.gov

New York Animal Import Center

USDA, APHIS, VS

474 International Boulevard

Rock Tavern, NY 12575

(845) 838-5500 (phone)

(845) 838-5575 (fax)

VSPSNIC@usda.gov

Importers must obtain the approval for a private facility to be used as

quarantine prior to applying for an import permit. Information and guidance on

obtaining that approval can be received by contacting the Strategy & Policy,

Live Animal Imports Team.

There is no quarantine requirement for imports from Canada.

Birds are tested in quarantine to determine if they are free of certain

communicable diseases. The cost of diagnostic testing is separate from the
quarantine fee. The USDA Animal Import Center will provide the total fee for

services for the inspection and quarantine.

Quarantine activities: Outside visitors into quarantine are prohibited

except for accredited veterinarians providing necessary treatment. Birds

are tested in quarantine to determine if they are free of certain

communicable diseases and all samples must be negative for the

shipment to be eligible for release. The cost of diagnostic testing is

separate from the quarantine fee. If birds show clinical signs of disease,

additional diagnostic testing will occur, at the importer’s expense. The

importer can refuse such additional testing; however, APHIS will not

release into the U.S. birds that are ill or diseased. Birds that are found with

diseases that are communicable to poultry, will be refused entry. If a

shipment is refused entry, the importer must remove the shipment within

10 days of official notification. Options for the importer are to remove to

the country of export or ask APHIS for euthanasia services. If such services

are provided, it is at additional costs to the estimate originally provided by

APHIS.

Find estimates of quarantine costs at VS Import/Export User Fees

Transit Requirements for Commercial Birds through the United States

Contingency Plan Requirement: 

Shipments which transit a US port must have an approved contingency

plan. Importers should work with transited port veterinary office to obtain

approval. Plans are reviewed annually to maintain approved status.

A U.S. import permit to transit can be issued within 30 days of U.S. transit

(application # VS Form17-129 (73.07 KB)) by the US port which will be

transited.

A current veterinary health certificate issued within 30 days of U.S. transit and

endorsed by a full-time salaried veterinarian of the agency responsible for

animal health of the national government of the exporting country. A health

certificate with English translation must meet all of the requirements listed

below and accompany the shipment. See an example health certificate (236.65

KB).

Health certificate requirements are as follows:

1. The veterinarian issuing the certificate completed inspection and testing of

the birds covered under this health certificate.
2. The bird(s) was/were not vaccinated against any H5 or H7 subtype of

avian influenza.

3. The veterinarian issuing the certificate examined the bird(s) within 30

days prior to export and saw no evidence of communicable diseases of

poultry.

4. The bird(s) covered by this certificate do not originate from flocks nor had

contact with any birds or poultry originating in a control zone established

by state/provincial/federal animal health authorities due to outbreaks of

Newcastle disease or HPAI in the 90 days preceding the exportation.

5. Bird(s) was/were not vaccinated against Newcastle diseases OR the bird(s)

has/have been vaccinated against Newcastle disease at least 21 days prior

to export, using vaccines that do not contain any velogenic strains of

Newcastle disease virus.  The certificate must state which applies.

6. The shipment will not transit through any region where APHIS considers

highly pathogenic avian influenza to exist.

7. Birds were inspected within 24 hours of export.

8. The birds were placed in new appropriately sanitized packaging materials

at the premises from which the birds were to be exported.

The USDA will monitor transit shipments at the ports of entry. The importer

must arrange for USDA services at least three business days in advance by

contacting the USDA port veterinarian at the telephone number listed on the

import permit. Additionally, the import permit lists any approvals, along with

any special instructions for the importer and port staff.

Import Requirements for Commercial Birds from Canada

There are no quarantine requirements for commercial birds imported from

Canada into the United States.

An import permit is required for commercial birds imported from Canada via air

or sea port.

Submit application (VS Form17-129 (73.07 KB)) to request an import

permit.

An import permit is not required for commercial birds being imported through a

land border port. 

A veterinary health certificate, endorsed by the Canadian government (CFIA)

and issued within 30 days of import. Example of a health certificate containing

requirements from Canada (363.28 KB).

Health certificate requirements are as follows:
1. No evidence of Newcastle diseases or other communicable disease of

poultry was found nor were the birds exposed to any such disease during

the ninety-days immediately prior to the inspection date.

2. Birds have not been vaccinated with a vaccine for any H5 or H7 subtype of

avian influenza.

3. Birds were placed in new shipping containers on the premise(s) of origin

4. Insofar as it can be determined, have not been vaccinated with the live

Newcastle disease vaccine

5. Newcastle disease, fowl plague, and highly pathogenic avian influenza

have not occurred on the premise(s) of origin or any adjoining premises

(share property line) during the ninety day period preceding exportation

6. Area where the premise is located has not been under quarantine for any

avian disease during the preceding 90* days.

* For HPAI, this time frame is reduced to 28 days.

7. Do not originate from flocks nor had any contact with flocks originating in

a control zone established by federal animal health authorities due to

Newcastle or HPAI outbreaks.

8. Flock of origin participates in a pullorum eradication program recognized

by the veterinary officials of Canada.

9. Officially identified by wingbands, legbands or microchip.

10. In the case of show birds, the birds must have been maintained in the

region of exportation and/or the United States for 90 days preceding

exportation.

11. Birds were inspected within 24 hours of export.

USDA will inspect commercial bird shipments at U.S. ports of entry.  The

importer must arrange for USDA inspection services at least 3 business days in

advance by contacting the USDA port veterinarian at the telephone number

listed on the import permit.

The import/transit permit lists any additional requirements that may be

imposed, along with any special instructions. If traveling by land, the importer

should call the port by phone and ask to be directed to the assigned USDA

veterinarian. The call will assist in ensuring there is a veterinarian available at

the port to receive the shipment at the time of crossing. 

Fish and Wildlife Service Permit Information
In the United States, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) regulates the

importation of birds protected by the Convention on International trade in

Endangered Species (CITES) and the Wild Bird Conservation Act of 1992 (WBCA).

These regulations are part of an international conservation effort to protect some

species of wild birds subject to trade. Most non-native U.S. pet birds including

parrots, parakeets, macaws, lories, and cockatoos are affected by CITES and the

WBCA. However, the budgerigar, cockatiel, and rose-ringed parakeets and peachfaced lovebirds are exempt.

Visit the FWS web site at: http://permits.fws.gov/ to obtain more information and the

permit application, if applicable. If you have questions, contact the FWS at (800)

358-2104. Calls from outside the U.S. should use (703) 358-2104. Birds arriving at

U.S. ports of entry may need to be inspected by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Inspectors.

The FWS provides a list of U.S. Wildlife Inspection Offices. Importers with birds

regulated by the USFWS should reach out to the office assigned to the port prior to

U.S. arrival of birds.

VS Guidance and Other Documents for Avian Importation

Questions?

Live Animal Import Permit Team

Contact APHIS' Live Animal Import Permit team if you have questions before you

apply for a permit.

For questions about import permits or permit applications:

Live Animal Import Permit Team

Email: laipermits@usda.gov

Phone: 301-851-3000

APHIS Port Services
For questions about import inspections at a port of entry, quarantine of animals

arriving from a foreign country, or requesting approval as a private animal import

quarantine facility, contact APHIS Port Services.

- Select a State - ▾

Loading...

Live Animal Import and Export

Contact APHIS' Live Animal Import and Export team for questions about current

trade restrictions, or other questions not related to permits.

For general questions related to the import of a live animal:

Live Animal Import and Export

Email: laie@usda.gov

Phone: 301-851-3300

All Contacts